The final episode of “Goblin” delivers a bittersweet resolution. Kim Shin, the Goblin, ultimately chooses to sacrifice himself to defeat the evil Park Joong-heon, saving Ji Eun-tak and the world, resulting in his temporary disappearance and eventual reincarnation, allowing him to reunite with Eun-tak in her future life.
The Sacrifice and Its Aftermath
The culmination of the drama rests on the shoulders of Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) and his destined battle against Park Joong-heon (Kim Byung-chul), the malevolent eunuch whose wicked deeds set the entire narrative in motion centuries ago. Joong-heon, now a vengeful ghost, possesses immense power, threatening not only Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) but the very fabric of reality. Recognizing the immense danger, Kim Shin makes the agonizing decision to use his Goblin sword to finally vanquish Joong-heon forever, knowing that doing so will lead to his own oblivion. This sacrifice is not born of despair but of profound love and a commitment to protecting the woman he loves and the world he is sworn to protect.
The scene is fraught with emotion. Eun-tak, finally understanding the full weight of Kim Shin’s existence and the prophecy surrounding him, pleads with him to reconsider. However, his resolve remains unshaken. With a final, tearful goodbye, he embraces Eun-tak and plunges the sword into Joong-heon, eradicating the evil spirit and, seemingly, himself.
Following Kim Shin’s sacrifice, the world mourns his loss, though most are unaware of the true hero they have lost. Eun-tak carries on with her life, graduating from college and eventually becoming a radio producer. She remembers Kim Shin vividly, cherishing the memories they shared, even though the pain of his absence lingers. The Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook), deeply affected by Kim Shin’s sacrifice and his own past, continues his duty of guiding souls to the afterlife.
Reincarnation and Reunion
While Kim Shin’s sacrifice appears permanent, the divine forces at play in the “Goblin” universe are not easily defied. After years of solitude and grief, Eun-tak accidentally dies protecting school children in a car accident, fulfilling her role as a collateral casualty destined to die in place of others. Because of this selfless act, and her previous life tied to the sword, she is granted a swift reincarnation.
In her new life, Eun-tak is reborn as a young girl. Kim Shin, having been allowed to reincarnate as well, though later than her, finds her again. He recognizes her immediately, drawn to her by the unbreakable bond they share across lifetimes. The final scene shows them reunited, promising a future together free from the burdens of their past lives. This ending, while offering a sense of closure, acknowledges the enduring pain of loss and the enduring power of love.
The Lasting Impact
The conclusion of “Goblin” leaves a lasting impact on viewers. It’s not a straightforward “happily ever after,” but rather a nuanced portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The show expertly balances the fantastical elements with genuine human emotions, making the ending both heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ending of Goblin
H2 Understanding the Sacrifice
H3 Why did Kim Shin have to sacrifice himself?
Kim Shin had to sacrifice himself to permanently destroy Park Joong-heon, whose existence threatened the entire world. Joong-heon’s evil was so deeply rooted that only the Goblin’s sword, imbued with the power of his immortality, could effectively eradicate him. This destruction, however, required the Goblin’s own existence to be intertwined with Joong-heon’s demise, leading to his sacrifice.
H3 Was there any other way to defeat Park Joong-heon?
Within the established rules of the “Goblin” universe, no other character possessed the power or ability to permanently defeat Park Joong-heon. The Goblin’s sword was the only weapon capable of completely destroying the evil spirit, and Kim Shin was the only one who could wield it for that purpose.
H3 Did Eun-tak know Kim Shin would disappear forever when he used the sword?
Eun-tak became aware of the potential consequences of Kim Shin using the sword against Park Joong-heon. While she hoped for a different outcome, she understood the gravity of the situation and the likelihood of his sacrifice. This knowledge made their final moments together even more poignant. She initially believed he would disappear forever; the later reincarnation was a surprising, bittersweet grace.
H2 Explaining the Reincarnation
H3 How did Kim Shin and Eun-tak get reincarnated?
Eun-tak’s reincarnation was a result of her selfless act of saving children from a car accident and her inherent connection to the Goblin’s sword in her past life. Her death was considered a collateral sacrifice to protect others, earning her a quick rebirth. Kim Shin’s reincarnation was a more complex process. While his sacrifice initially erased him from existence, his actions as the Goblin throughout centuries, combined with Eun-tak’s profound love for him, seemingly allowed him to be reborn in the future, though later than Eun-tak. This suggests a degree of divine intervention or karmic reward.
H3 Why did Kim Shin and Eun-tak not reincarnate at the same time?
The timing of their reincarnations likely reflects the differing nature of their existence. Eun-tak, as a human, followed a more conventional cycle of life and death. Kim Shin, as an immortal Goblin, had a more complicated relationship with time and fate. His reincarnation was perhaps delayed to ensure the world was ready for his return or as a consequence of his unique supernatural existence.
H3 Does the Grim Reaper remember Kim Shin and Eun-tak in their new lives?
The drama does not explicitly state whether the Grim Reaper retains memories of Kim Shin and Eun-tak in their reincarnated forms. However, given his established ability to remember past lives and his deep connection to both of them, it is implied that he likely recognizes them, at least subconsciously. His role as a guide for souls suggests he would be aware of their continued journey through different lifetimes.
H2 The Fate of Other Characters
H3 What happens to Sunny and the Grim Reaper?
Sunny (Yoo In-na) and the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook), also known as Wang Yeo, continue their romance in their reincarnated lives. They are reborn as actress and police officer, respectively, finally finding a love unbound by the tragedies of their pasts. They eventually meet again, drawn to each other just like in their previous lives, suggesting a fated connection transcending multiple existences.
H3 Does Deok-hwa remember Kim Shin?
Deok-hwa (Yook Sung-jae), who was possessed by the god, continues to remember Kim Shin. Although he appears to lead a normal life, he carries the awareness of his past role and the impact of Kim Shin’s existence. This knowledge likely shapes his perspective and actions in his subsequent life. The god, having chosen Deok-hwa as his vessel, ensured his awareness of the Goblin’s presence.
H3 Does Eun-tak’s Aunt and her family get what they deserve?
While the drama doesn’t explicitly detail the Aunt’s fate in a karmic sense, Eun-tak’s success and happiness in life serve as a form of indirect retribution. The Aunt and her family, who mistreated Eun-tak for their own gain, are ultimately left behind, while Eun-tak finds true love and fulfillment. Their actions, driven by greed and selfishness, ultimately lead to their isolation and lack of connection, a subtle but poignant consequence.
H2 Thematic Significance
H3 What is the overall message of the ending?
The ending of “Goblin” emphasizes the enduring power of love, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of life and death. It suggests that even in the face of profound loss, hope remains possible. The reincarnation and reunion of Kim Shin and Eun-tak reinforce the idea that true love transcends lifetimes and that even death cannot permanently sever the bonds between kindred spirits.
H3 Is the ending of Goblin considered happy or sad?
The ending of “Goblin” is best described as bittersweet. While it offers a sense of closure and hope with the reunion of Kim Shin and Eun-tak in their reincarnated lives, it acknowledges the profound sacrifices and losses that occurred along the way. The initial sacrifice and the years of separation evoke a sense of sadness, but the eventual reunion provides a glimmer of optimism and a belief in the enduring power of love.
H3 What makes Goblin such a popular drama?
“Goblin” resonated with audiences due to its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and melodrama. The captivating storyline, compelling characters, stunning visuals, and poignant exploration of themes such as love, loss, and sacrifice contributed to its widespread popularity. The drama also benefited from strong performances by the cast and a well-crafted narrative that kept viewers engaged throughout its run. The combination of these elements created a deeply emotional and unforgettable viewing experience.